C230K Leather
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: San Francisco
C230 Kompressor
C230K Leather
As I prepare for the delivery of my c-coupe in a couple days, my dealer suddenly drops on me the fact that it will arrive with cloth, rather than the leather I paid for. Apparently, the mad cow situation is not yet under control for Mercedes and the dealer plans on getting an outside contractor they use to install leather. He says its identical (apparently they're both oyster), except there are no perforations in the center of the seats.
I say this was poor form on his part.
Anyone have any experience with non-factory leather in a Benz?
My thought is to look at a finished job and compare it to the stock job, but I may just drop this order entirely and wait it out.
I say this was poor form on his part.
Anyone have any experience with non-factory leather in a Benz?
My thought is to look at a finished job and compare it to the stock job, but I may just drop this order entirely and wait it out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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I strongly suspect that your sales monkey screwed up the order and is lying to cover his *** and complete the sale. Ask him if the dealership will provide a warranty on the aftermarket leather that is equal to the factory warranty on the factory leather. I'll bet the answer is no.
One member of the is board, benzomonterey, had an interior done by Classic Soft Trim, http://www.classicsofttrim.com/
He seems to be happy with it. Here are his pictures in an earlier thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...=&threadid=843
If you go aftermarket, insist that the dealership pay for perforated leather. Also insist that if the job is not to your satisfaction that the order is canceled and that your deposit be returned.
My sales rep insisted that his store never had any problem getting leather. I ordered my car in August and it arrived 75 days later. They have sold several other Coupes with leather.
One member of the is board, benzomonterey, had an interior done by Classic Soft Trim, http://www.classicsofttrim.com/
He seems to be happy with it. Here are his pictures in an earlier thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...=&threadid=843
If you go aftermarket, insist that the dealership pay for perforated leather. Also insist that if the job is not to your satisfaction that the order is canceled and that your deposit be returned.
My sales rep insisted that his store never had any problem getting leather. I ordered my car in August and it arrived 75 days later. They have sold several other Coupes with leather.
Last edited by Lynn; Dec 8, 2001 at 10:06 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Alexandria VA
Nadre, something seems very wrong here. As Lynn noted it may have been a mistake by the salesperson.
I take delivery of my C230K with oyster leather on wednesday, so there is no problem with getting the leather through MB if the order is put in to the system correctly.
Do you want to wait for another car? would you be satisfied with the aftermarket leather? will your dealer pay/guarantee for the aftermarket install?
or at least make it worth your while? These are questions that only you can answer.
I can imagine the disappointment after the long wait.
I am sure that there will be a large response to your post, the members of this board will have quite a bit to say about this - I have garnered a lot of usefull information from this site (lots of laughs too).
Now having said all that if I was you I would be VERY PISSED OFF
I hope it all works out for you, keep us posted.
I take delivery of my C230K with oyster leather on wednesday, so there is no problem with getting the leather through MB if the order is put in to the system correctly.
Do you want to wait for another car? would you be satisfied with the aftermarket leather? will your dealer pay/guarantee for the aftermarket install?
or at least make it worth your while? These are questions that only you can answer.
I can imagine the disappointment after the long wait.
I am sure that there will be a large response to your post, the members of this board will have quite a bit to say about this - I have garnered a lot of usefull information from this site (lots of laughs too).
Now having said all that if I was you I would be VERY PISSED OFF
I hope it all works out for you, keep us posted.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Damn, that sucks. But, you can turn it to your advantage. And, of course, if you go through with the deal, you should write it all up on the survey that you'll be receiving.
Now, them saying that you can't get perforated leather is most probably a lie. CST can do that, and doesn't charge any extra for it, either. As Lynn said (a smart Orion owner), they should warranty the leather for the full 48 months, and from the dealer, not the outside vendor. You should also probably try to see some examples that have been done by that vendor. An added bonus is that you should be able to custom order any color/option combo that you want, so that you can do something a little different, like benzomonterey did.
As always, get it all in writing before signing anything, and I'd even bring in the manager to get some upper-level buy-in before they have the opportunity to pull the rug out from under you again.
Now, them saying that you can't get perforated leather is most probably a lie. CST can do that, and doesn't charge any extra for it, either. As Lynn said (a smart Orion owner), they should warranty the leather for the full 48 months, and from the dealer, not the outside vendor. You should also probably try to see some examples that have been done by that vendor. An added bonus is that you should be able to custom order any color/option combo that you want, so that you can do something a little different, like benzomonterey did.
As always, get it all in writing before signing anything, and I'd even bring in the manager to get some upper-level buy-in before they have the opportunity to pull the rug out from under you again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
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From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
be sure to find out if the aftermarket leather includes the door airbag panels. my dealer mentioned that he could get leather for me but they wouldn't do the doors b/c of the airbags. CST will.
i feel for you...
i feel for you...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
If this happened to me...
I would have the dealer order another car AND have them toss in and additional option not in the original order, otherwise I would shop elsewhere.
I would be Pi$$ed and they would know it!
I would be Pi$$ed and they would know it!
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Joined: Nov 2001
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'01 C240/6
Good luck. My experience with MB dealers who order the wrong car has not been good. If your experience is anything like mine, I would not expect much from your dealer.
I've seen a lot of aftermarket leather jobs. Most are far inferior to the full leather in my C240. Some are as good, but cost around $2500 to do just the front seats.
If you paid $1400 for leather, and they get you a $1400 aftermarket job, I'd be wary. Check it out very closely to see how it compares to genuine MB leather. A $1400 aftermarket leather interior would most likely be done in pretty low budget domestic stuff.
I've seen a lot of aftermarket leather jobs. Most are far inferior to the full leather in my C240. Some are as good, but cost around $2500 to do just the front seats.
If you paid $1400 for leather, and they get you a $1400 aftermarket job, I'd be wary. Check it out very closely to see how it compares to genuine MB leather. A $1400 aftermarket leather interior would most likely be done in pretty low budget domestic stuff.
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I would really suspect your salesmonkey did not pay attention to the order and made a mistake. I heard lots of people getting the leather delivered recently with no problem.
Did you order the leather as part if the C5 package? if you order the leather with the C5 and if leather shortage it will return another option code. There should be records of what has been ordered and what was changed.
IMHO the leather makes a huge difference for the car. what I will do is blame the *** off the salesmonkey to see if you can knock off some discount plus the $1400 back and find an outside vendor to do it - choose your materials, colors, etc. If you go on the custom leather route of course dont go with the boring MB interior color scheme - do a two tone leather job!
if OEM MB leather really important to you then wait for another car!
Did you order the leather as part if the C5 package? if you order the leather with the C5 and if leather shortage it will return another option code. There should be records of what has been ordered and what was changed.
IMHO the leather makes a huge difference for the car. what I will do is blame the *** off the salesmonkey to see if you can knock off some discount plus the $1400 back and find an outside vendor to do it - choose your materials, colors, etc. If you go on the custom leather route of course dont go with the boring MB interior color scheme - do a two tone leather job!
if OEM MB leather really important to you then wait for another car!
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3
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From: San Francisco
C230 Kompressor
thanks for the support
I just wanted to thank everyone for their insightful comments.
Certainly this is a sub-optimal and frustrating experience. Unfortunately, this dealer (San Francisco MBZ) seem uninterested in helping me out because they know that there are dozens of people willing to buy whatever is available.
So basically this leaves me with the current 4 month (!) waiting list through the other MBZ dealer in the area.
If anyone has any ideas to help me out, it would be much appreciated.
Disappointedly yours,
Nadre
Certainly this is a sub-optimal and frustrating experience. Unfortunately, this dealer (San Francisco MBZ) seem uninterested in helping me out because they know that there are dozens of people willing to buy whatever is available.
So basically this leaves me with the current 4 month (!) waiting list through the other MBZ dealer in the area.
If anyone has any ideas to help me out, it would be much appreciated.
Disappointedly yours,
Nadre
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Posts: n/a
I am quite satisfied with my aftermarket leather installed by classic soft trim in Hayward which is close for you. It was 1700.00 installed.
I have had a very enjoyable sales experience working with Jack Golden at Stahl Motors here in Monterey. They are California's oldest MB dealer and very easy pace and nice to work with. You might want to contact him.
I have had a very enjoyable sales experience working with Jack Golden at Stahl Motors here in Monterey. They are California's oldest MB dealer and very easy pace and nice to work with. You might want to contact him.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: NYC
C32 AMG, C300 Sport
sounds kind of hokie to me
What kind of lame s*** is that. He screwed up and is trying to tell you some BS to get off the hook. I would hold him to the leather or go to another dealer. There are lots of Coupes out there and Im sure you will be able to get what you want. I still cant believe they said that. Why doesnt it impact the other leather seating items from MB? Or is the cow just mad for the coupes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
Nadre,
As others have suggested, approach this rationally. You can work this and bleed him of all commissions if he in fact screwed up your order. First, contact Mercedes Benz USA (their phone number is on the website at www.mbusa.com). Calmly tell the regional marketing manager what the salesmonkey (love that term...heheh) store told you. They'll take the bulls**t by the horns and make sure it's corrected...no matter what the cost is.
What you should bargain for: Leather at no cost to you, in your choice of color combination and texture(contrasting on "Monty's" looks great...leather/suede might be nice too), CD changer at no charge, your choice of available dealer installed options at no charge. Make sure you do this in person, at the deallership, and get their commitment in writing. After they've agreed to all this to keep your business(by order of MBUSA), ask them about the survey and how you should fill it out. At the very least, that will be entertaining, but don't laugh until you leave the store.
I personally had a more tragic incident with my original order....but you can read about that in the older posts if you want. I'm satisfied with the car, so the rest is history. Thankfully, I wont have to deal with that side of the dealership for 3 years or so....
As others have suggested, approach this rationally. You can work this and bleed him of all commissions if he in fact screwed up your order. First, contact Mercedes Benz USA (their phone number is on the website at www.mbusa.com). Calmly tell the regional marketing manager what the salesmonkey (love that term...heheh) store told you. They'll take the bulls**t by the horns and make sure it's corrected...no matter what the cost is.
What you should bargain for: Leather at no cost to you, in your choice of color combination and texture(contrasting on "Monty's" looks great...leather/suede might be nice too), CD changer at no charge, your choice of available dealer installed options at no charge. Make sure you do this in person, at the deallership, and get their commitment in writing. After they've agreed to all this to keep your business(by order of MBUSA), ask them about the survey and how you should fill it out. At the very least, that will be entertaining, but don't laugh until you leave the store.
I personally had a more tragic incident with my original order....but you can read about that in the older posts if you want. I'm satisfied with the car, so the rest is history. Thankfully, I wont have to deal with that side of the dealership for 3 years or so....
